World Tobacco Day is observed on 31st May 2021. This year’s theme is “commit to quit. '' Every year World Tobacco Day is an opportunity to focus on quitting tobacco. Each year the WHO (World Health Organization) selects a new theme and spreads a message worldwide. This day of 31st May 2021 should be taken as an opportunity to quit tobacco. A campaign on this day with fresh messages each year helps in demonstrating the importance of NO TOBACCO. Controlling and reducing the use of tobacco is the prime message to be sent across to all people worldwide. 

Tobacco and Lung health 

Tobacco use can hamper lung health and must be given importance. The main subject of lung health should be focused on to eliminate the consequences of tobacco use. It is important to spread awareness about the negative impact of tobacco on the lungs. We should examine the health effects of tobacco on the individual using it. While tobacco is responsible for causing major effects on health systems, the proportion of the lung related deaths that are attributed is gigantic. 

Statistics of tobacco related health conditions

Tobacco kills many people, which is ischemic heart disease causing 3.4 % of all global deaths. There is a higher prevalence of lung and respiratory disease causing COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) which results in 2.5 % of all global deaths. The proportion of COPD disease attributable to tobacco use is greater than ischemic heart disease. On the other hand, lung cancer contributes to 3.4 % of global deaths. These statistics are truly alarming and it is important to spread awareness among the people about the consequences and dangers of tobacco use so that they ensure not to get addicted to tobacco. 

Public health matter : Time to talk about the youth and use of tobacco

Everyone knows that tobacco is bad for health. It has an impact on lung health, heart health and not to forget most importantly mental health. Many tobacco addicts believe that consuming tobacco helps relieve stress, mood and anxiety while the opposite is true. Tobacco and smoking causes low mood, depression , mood disorders and anxiety. It is important to know the significant benefits of quitting smoking and tobacco for better mental health. 

“NO TOBACCO'' campaign helps to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of individuals by helping to spread awareness about no tobacco day. 

Pandemic and No Tobacco Day 

This pandemic, the coronavirus infection is truly a matter of concern. Let’s not forget that coronavirus also impacts the lung and respiratory system. A close attention must be focussed to monitor all the tobacco users who are more prone to the respiratory condition. Also as COVID 19 takes a toll , levels of mental well being have worsened and the tobacco addicts have got the ”HIT.” 

There is a dual impact of the tobacco users on respiratory health and mental health. Tobacco withdrawal is a vicious cycle wherein the tobacco interferes with the chemicals and neurotransmitters in the brain. When a tobacco addict indulges in consumption of tobacco, he gets the feeling of cravings for tobacco. If the cravings are not met then there may be withdrawal symptoms like irritability and anxiety. These feelings are temporary and relieves vy the next cigarette or tobacco.